Theresa May appoints Blair policy expert to review employment law

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Around six million people are "not covered by the standard suite of workplace rights," Taylor estimated. He added: "New forms of employment have many advantages for workers and consumers, but there are challenges and risks. We need to approach this issue with an open mind, recognising that within our flexible system of employment the same type of contract can have a diverse range of impacts on the people who use them."

The number of people classified as self-employed by the Office for National Statistics has grown by 47 per cent since 2000, while the number of employed people has risen by just 13 per cent over the same period.

The appointment of Taylor, who was instrumental in writing both the 1997 and 2005 Labour manifestos and is now chief executive of the RSA, was also seen as the latest tactical move to position the party on some areas which may traditionally have been seen as Labour territory.

Deborah Mattinson, founder of the Britain Thinks research group said it was an "interesting" choice, describing the move as a "centre ground land grab".

"It is important that the Government works to ensure our employment regulations and definitions are flexible, so that we protect workers and give them access to training and development, while still enabling innovation and enterprise to prosper."